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Confused animals result in animal print ban

Chessington World of Adventures enforces zero tolerance on animal print clothing

Following the launch of new African experience ZUFARI: Ride Into Africa!, Chessington World of Adventures Resort has put a zero tolerance ban on animal print at the park and has brought in bouncers to enforce the rule.

The ride involves guests journeying off-road on a safari adventure, allowing them to get close to animals including white rhinos, giraffes, flamingos and blesbok.

Zookeepers noticed confusion amongst the animals when they encountered guests wearing animal print clothing. The keepers believe this confusion is down to the 22-acre trail being almost an exact replica of the Serengeti plains.

The rule has been enforced across the whole park so as to avoid confusing the lions, tigers and other animals.

Animal Print Bouncers have also been hired to make sure guests are following the new rule and any guests wearing animal print will be supplied with Chessington clothing when going on ZUFARI.

Natalie Dilloway, a ZUFARI spokeswoman, said: “Since the launch of ZUFARI, guests have interacted with the animals more closely than ever before and we have noticed a lot of animals becoming baffled by animal-print wearing guests.”

“The enclosures at ZUFARI have been designed to replicate the conditions species face in the wild, so it’s no wonder the animals are getting confused when they see what they perceive to be zebras and giraffes driving across the terrain in a 7.5 tonne truck!”

“We kindly ask guests to refrain from wearing animal print at the park.”

Banned prints at the resort include zebra, giraffe, leopard, tiger and cheetah.

Image courtesy of Chessington World of Adventures Resort

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.